Moroccan Social Media Debate: Should Dowries Be Eliminated for Marriage?

Young people are the most numerous to react in this debate provoked by the hashtag "Marry Me Without a Dowry", launched by a group of Moroccan women, including teachers. Opinions differ on the issue. For some, marriage without a dowry could help reduce the high rate of celibacy. Others, however, believe that the dowry, even if symbolic, is necessary before the celebration of any marriage.

"The dowry is a pillar of marriage and it is forbidden to omit it even by mutual consent. If the problem was the dowry, the two parties would have agreed on the lowest amount and the problem would have been solved, but the reason is deeper than that," wrote Mohamed, emphasizing the importance of the dowry.

Anouar, on the other hand, believes that the dowry is not the reason for the increase in the number of singles in Morocco. Most young people "hesitate to embark on an adventure full of risks," she says. Marriage without a dowry is nevertheless a "good idea," comments another.

Overall, the more than 100 Internet users who left comments agree that there is no causal link between the dowry and the increase in the number of singles. It is rather a question of morality and not of dowry, some have estimated, while others have disapproved of this campaign which, according to them, aims to demean and devalue women.